How is the child perceived in the Reggio Emilia approach to early learning?

In the Reggio Emilia approach to early learning, the child is viewed as an active, capable problem-solver and communicator. This perspective emphasizes the child's innate strengths, creativity, and ability to engage in their own learning process. Educators in this approach foster an environment where children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and express their thoughts and ideas.

The Reggio Emilia philosophy values the child’s potential to construct knowledge through interactions with their peers, the environment, and adults, rather than positioning them as passive recipients of information. This democratic view of children promotes their agency and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and dialogue, thus supporting their development as independent thinkers.

By considering the child in this manner, the Reggio Emilia approach also aligns with constructivist theories of education, which posits that learning is an active process where learners build their own understanding based on experiences. This foundation creates an engaging and responsive educational environment that nurtures the child's capacity to learn and communicate effectively.